What is a Bore Sight Laser?
At its core, a bore sight laser is a device designed to help you align your scope with the barrel of your firearm without firing a single round. Think of it as a digital compass for your scope, guiding you in the initial stages of the sighting process. These devices come in various forms, but they all share a similar principle: emitting a laser beam that projects down the barrel, allowing you to get a quick and rough alignment.
The beauty of a bore sight laser lies in its simplicity. It provides a clear, visible reference point to help you start the process of zeroing your scope. The laser beam essentially mirrors the path of a bullet, offering a visual representation of where your shots should land. This can save you valuable time, ammunition, and frustration at the range.
Bore sight lasers come in a few common types, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. You’ll find them in the cartridge-style, which mimics the shape of a cartridge and fits directly into the chamber; arbor/muzzle-mounted models that secure to the muzzle; and universal options that are adaptable to a range of calibers. The cartridge style is usually the most straightforward to use, but you must ensure you have the right size for your firearm. Muzzle-mounted versions often have a more versatile design. Universal bore sight lasers aim to be compatible with a broader array of firearms, though they may require more precise setup.
How They Work: A Look Under the Hood
The operation of a bore sight laser is a marvel of simplicity. The core component is the laser itself, housed within a casing that’s designed to fit your firearm. When the device is activated, the laser emits a visible beam of light that travels directly down the bore of the barrel.
The user’s task is to then look through the scope and adjust the crosshairs until they align with the laser dot, which appears on a target at a set distance. This initial alignment gets you in the ballpark, ready for the fine-tuning that can only be achieved with live fire. The process is relatively quick, making it an attractive option for getting a new scope on your rifle or handgun ready for the range quickly.
Pros of Using Bore Sight Lasers
The appeal of a bore sight laser is readily apparent, and for good reason. These tools offer several advantages that make them a valuable addition to any shooter’s toolkit.
One of the biggest benefits is the speed and convenience they provide. Sighting in a new scope can be a time-consuming process, often requiring numerous trips to the range and significant amounts of ammunition. A bore sight laser drastically cuts down on the time needed to get your scope roughly aligned, allowing you to spend more time actually shooting. You’ll be able to begin shooting at your target much faster than with traditional methods.
The convenience extends beyond just time savings. Using a bore sight laser is simple. No specialized knowledge or equipment is required beyond the device itself and a basic understanding of how your scope works.
In terms of safety, using a bore sight laser has its advantages. They eliminate the need for potentially dangerous dry-firing. By getting your scope aligned without needing to chamber a round, you significantly reduce the chance of accidental discharges during the initial sighting process.
For shooters new to scope mounting and sighting, bore sight lasers offer an easy entry point. The visual feedback makes the process of scope alignment less intimidating, boosting confidence and allowing for a more enjoyable shooting experience.
And let’s not forget the cost savings. While bore sight lasers themselves have an initial cost, they can potentially save you money on ammunition in the long run. By significantly reducing the number of rounds needed to get your scope aligned, you save on the expense of ammunition.
Cons of Using Bore Sight Lasers
Despite the benefits, bore sight lasers aren’t a perfect solution and do come with a few limitations that you should be aware of.
The most significant limitation is their accuracy. While bore sight lasers are great for getting you on paper, they aren’t a substitute for live-fire zeroing. Factors like barrel alignment, manufacturing tolerances, and the precise placement of the laser within your firearm can lead to inaccuracies. Therefore, you should never rely solely on a bore sight laser to achieve a perfect zero. Always confirm and refine your zero with live fire.
Another concern is that of barrel alignment. The laser beam emitted by the bore sight laser must be perfectly aligned with the barrel’s bore. Any deviation, even a slight one, can translate to errors in your scope adjustment. This can happen because the device itself might not be perfectly constructed or the bore of your rifle isn’t perfectly straight.
The investment can also be a limiting factor. While they are generally inexpensive, if you don’t sight in scopes often, then the cost may not be worth it to you. Also, you need to ensure you get the correct model for your specific firearm, adding to the potential cost.
Furthermore, although these lasers are designed to be robust, there’s always the potential for damage if you handle them incorrectly. Dropping or misusing a bore sight laser can render it inaccurate or, in extreme cases, completely useless.
How to Use a Bore Sight Laser Effectively
To maximize the effectiveness of your bore sight laser, follow these steps:
First, ensure your firearm is unloaded, and the action is open. Safety is paramount when handling any firearm, and taking this precaution will help keep you safe.
Next, insert the bore sight laser according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Different types of bore sight lasers will have different methods of attachment. With cartridge style, you’ll insert it into the chamber like a live round. With muzzle-mounted lasers, you’ll typically attach them to the end of the barrel. Double-check that it is secured properly and won’t be bumped out of alignment.
Now, place your firearm on a stable surface, such as a bench or a shooting rest. The more stable the platform, the more accurate your results will be.
Look through your scope and adjust the crosshairs to align with the laser dot. This will involve using the scope’s elevation and windage adjustments. The laser dot will appear on the target, and you’ll move the crosshairs until they overlap the dot.
Once the crosshairs and the laser dot are aligned, tighten the scope rings to securely hold your scope in place. Double-check to make sure nothing has shifted during the tightening process.
A key practice is to remember this is only the first step. The laser will help you get your scope close, but fine adjustments need to be made at the range.
Alternatives to Bore Sight Lasers
While bore sight lasers are useful, other techniques can achieve similar results.
The traditional way to bore sight a rifle is to look through the barrel. This involves physically looking through the barrel from the breech, focusing on a distant target, and then adjusting your scope to match. This method is free and does not require any additional equipment.
Another method is to use a target at a short range and then adjust your scope. This involves firing a shot at a target at a short distance, such as 25 yards or meters. Then, adjust your scope according to where the bullet hit, aiming for the point of impact to be in line with your point of aim. You can use this method by itself, or in conjunction with a bore sight laser.
Another useful tool is a collimator. This works in a similar way to a bore sight laser, but instead of a laser, it projects a reticle onto a target.
Accuracy and Live Fire Testing
The results from using a bore sight laser can vary, but don’t expect your first shots to be perfectly on target. The goal is to get your bullets on paper at a reasonable distance. You might be off by an inch or two at a distance of a hundred yards, which is a great starting point for fine-tuning with live fire.
The live-fire step is crucial to ensuring accuracy. Start by firing a few shots at the range. Examine where your bullets are hitting and adjust your scope accordingly. Make small, incremental adjustments to the windage and elevation knobs on your scope. Repeat this process until your shots consistently hit the bullseye at your desired zeroing distance.
Remember to use ammunition appropriate for your firearm. The type and quality of your ammunition can impact your results.
Conclusion
Do bore sight lasers work? The answer is a qualified yes. They are a valuable tool for speeding up the initial sight-in process and saving ammunition and time. However, they are not a magic bullet for achieving perfect accuracy.
A bore sight laser can be incredibly useful for getting you on paper quickly. It’s a great way to save time and ammunition during the initial setup of a new scope. Yet, you must always follow up with live-fire zeroing to dial in your scope for optimal accuracy.
Consider using a bore sight laser when mounting a new scope or when changing scopes. Combine the tool with traditional methods to get a head start. This allows you to quickly and efficiently get your scope on paper and begin the fine-tuning process.
In summary, bore sight lasers are useful tools, but they are not a replacement for live-fire zeroing. They are a great starting point, but only live fire can give you the pinpoint accuracy you need.
